Cancer Coalition reacts to CVS stopping the sale of tobacco

You'll no longer be able to stop by a giant drug store chain for a pack of smokes. CVS is about to stop selling all tobacco products.

Wednesday CVS announced a big change for its business. By October of 2014, the chain will no longer sell any tobacco products.

The CEO says it will help customers stay on a path to better health.

At the Cancer Coalition of Southwest Georgia, Denise Ballard says they're excited to see a major chain like CVS take this big step.

"Very surprised, but very pleased that they took such a stand, with a chain that large, 7600 pharmacies and stores across the country, their decision is going to have a major impact on the availability of tobacco products and we know that when you reduce the availability, particularly young people will be less likely to smoke," says Denise Ballard, Vice President of Cancer Prevention and Control.

She hopes other stores will follow CVS.

"I believe the first thing they will look at is the impact on CVS sales in general and we don't believe that there is going to be any significant impact. We believe that are currently tobacco users will certainly find other places to buy their tobacco products and those that don't will be more likely to visit those stores," says Ballard.

At Woodall's Convenience store, managers say they expect this decision to boost their cigarette sales.

"Well I hate that they are discontinue cigarettes and tobacco, but it will bring good sales with Woodalls and other convenience stores,"says Marion Bishop, Woodall's Manager.

Cancer Coalition representatives says the number of smokers has decreased over the years, but one in four people still smoke